Epic Peaks of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro

Start early in Theth and set out on Albania’s most iconic alpine trek. Follow the ancient mule trail that once connected the tribes of Shala and Nikaj. Climb steadily toward the breathtaking Valbona Pass. Gain height. Turn around. Take in sweeping views of jagged peaks and deep valleys.

Reach the summit at 1,759 m and stand above the Albanian Alps to take some astounding photos and immerse in mountain vistas. Then descend toward the lush valley of Valbona. Pause along the trail for mountain tea at a shepherd’s café. Refuel and continue through changing landscapes until you reach your guesthouse in Valbona.

Enjoy a well-earned dinner and relax after a powerful day in the mountains.

Overnight in Valbona

Trail details:

• Distance: 16.3 km
• Ascent: 1,040 m
• Descent: 945 m
• Max Altitude: 1,759 m
• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Leave Valbona and take a 45-minute local transfer to Çerem, a quiet seasonal village near the Montenegrin border. Pause briefly. Notice the simplicity of life here — stone houses, open pastures, grazing livestock.

Start your hike toward Dobërdol. Climb steadily to the Montenegro border. Pass through the summer shepherd settlement of Balqin. Walk across the protected Gashi Valley and follow remote mule tracks deeper into the mountains. Reach Dobërdol — a hidden highland village inhabited only in summer.

Explore the glacial lakes of the Dobërdol–Sulbices plateau. Slow down. Disconnect completely. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in traditional mountain huts.

Overnight in Dobërdol

Trail details:

• Distance: 12.8 km
• Ascent: 686 m
• Descent: 410 m
• Max Altitude: 1,922 m
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Difficulty: Easy

Leave Dobërdol and hike toward the Kosovo border. Walk through wide alpine meadows and remote mountain terrain — far from roads, far from signal, fully immersed in nature.

Climb to the iconic Three Borders Peak, where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meet. Stand at 2,236 m. Take in the vast panorama. Capture the moment at one of the most symbolic points in the Balkans.

Descend toward Milishevc, a quiet seasonal mountain village connected to the region of Peja. Settle into your guesthouse, enjoy dinner, and rest after a rewarding cross-border day.

Overnight in Milshevc

Trail details:

• Distance: 18.2 km
• Ascent: 950 m
• Descent: 1,045 m
• Max Altitude: 2,236 m
• Duration: 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Start your day with a short hike from Milishevc, climbing to the Lumbardhi Ridge. Stop and admire sweeping views of Milishevc and the surrounding mountains. Snap photos. Breathe in the fresh highland air.

Descend steeply toward Rugova Camp Hotel, then continue along gravel trails to reach Reka e Allagë. Enjoy the mix of alpine vistas and local village scenery as you move through this quieter part of Kosovo. Settle in at your guesthouse for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Overnight in Reka e Allagë

Trail details:

• Distance: 11.8 km
• Ascent: 607 m
• Descent: 1,430 m
• Max Altitude: 2,136 m
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Rise early and hike from Reka e Allagë toward the towering Hajla Peak at 2,403 m. Reach the summit and, if skies are clear, admire views stretching across five countries: Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, and North Macedonia. Spot alpine flora, including endemic Albanian Lilies, and feel the highland breeze.

Descend toward Drelaj, a slightly more modern village compared to previous stops. Settle in at your guesthouse, enjoy dinner, and rest after a full day in the mountains.

Overnight in Drelaj

Trail details:

• Distance: 15.8 km
• Ascent: 1,020 m
• Descent: 1,320 m
• Max Altitude: 2,403 m
• Duration: 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Take a short drive from your guesthouse to Kuqishte and begin the day’s hike toward Montenegro. Traverse alpine meadows, streams, and two stunning glacial lakes. Follow the historic Shkodra Pass, once a key route for caravans carrying silver and precious goods.

Descend into Babino Polje, meaning “Grandma’s Fields,” a picturesque village on the Peaks of the Balkans trail. Immerse yourself in Montenegro’s wild beauty and enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Overnight in Babino Polje

Trail details:

• Distance: 15.8 km
• Ascent: 1,140 m
• Descent: 1,050 m
• Max Altitude: 2,265 m
• Duration: 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Start with a short 20-minute transfer to Taljanka Peak and begin your hike through the stunning Grbaja Valley, one of Montenegro’s most beautiful alpine valleys. Walk among lush meadows, forests, and striking mountain scenery as you make your way toward Vusanje, a picturesque highland village.

Along the trail, visit the ancient Bronze Age rock engraving, known as The Great Mother, depicting a mother and father protecting their child from wolves. Learn the local legend: the rock is believed to have healing powers and aid women’s fertility, a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and folklore.

Overnight in Vusanje

Trail details:

• Distance: Approx. 12 km
• Ascent/Descent: Moderate
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Begin the final stretch of your journey from Vusanje (Montenegro) back into Theth (Albania). Hike through steep alpine valleys and towering peaks, taking in some of the most dramatic views of the Accursed Mountains. Follow trails once guarded by armed posts during the socialist era, with remnants of bunkers and protection points along the way — a living history lesson in the highlands.

Reach Theth by late afternoon and reflect on the incredible landscapes, cultures, and memories gathered throughout your adventure.

Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Theth

Trail details:

• Distance: 17.8 km
• Ascent: 788 m
• Descent: 1,231 m
• Max Altitude: 1,734 m
• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy a relaxed morning and a hearty breakfast in Theth before departing the mountains. Drive to Shkoder, the largest city in the Albanian Alps, and take a short stop to stretch, explore, or grab a coffee.

The tour can end in Shkoder if you prefer to continue privately, or continue to Tirana as the final stop. Customized drop-offs beyond the itinerary are also available on request.